Clippers plan to listen at trade deadline

HOUSTON – Over the final two days of All-Star weekend, the Clippers found themselves in the headlines linked to trades that would send young players out for veteran frontcourt help.

Saturday, a report from Yahoo Sports had the Clippers in talks with Boston for All-Star Kevin Garnett, and Sunday, an ESPN report tied the Clippers to the Utah Jazz in a deal that would send out Eric Bledsoe as part of a package that would net Paul Millsap in return.

Millsap, who is averaging more than 15 points and 7 rebounds a game, is a free agent after this season.

The NBA’s trade deadline is Thursday at noon.

Vice president of basketball operations Gary Sacks was at Sunday’s game in Houston, and he’s well aware of the rumors surrounding his team.

“We’re listening,” he said. “But we love our team. If there’s something out there that makes us better, we’ll do it.”

According to sources, the Clippers aren’t in any advanced trade discussions at this time, but the team could be aggressive at the deadline.

The Clippers entered the All-Star break on a four-game winning streak after getting Chauncey Billups back into the lineup. If the team doesn’t find a suitable deal, the Clippers would be comfortable standing pat because of the versatility of the current roster provided by the team’s depth.

Also, the team doesn’t feel like they have to trade Bledsoe now, as he’s under contract through next season. Also, Chris Paul is an unrestricted free agent this summer, though he’s expected to re-sign.

As far as the Garnett deal goes, the Yahoo report had the Clippers sending Bledsoe and center DeAndre Jordan to Boston. The Celtics asked for a similar package last season for Ray Allen. Garnett, who has a no-trade clause, has stated his preference to remain with the Celtics.

Howard sits, smiles

It might have only been 14 minutes and 11 seconds, but Sunday might have been just what Dwight Howard needs.

The Lakers’ center said the All-Star experience – which included limited court time due to a torn labrum in his right shoulder – rejuvenated him for the second half of the season

“No doubt,” he said. “Being with the fans, the kids before the game, that’s the stuff I look forward to. This has definitely been a good time for me this weekend.”

Whether that carries over to the second half of the year or not remains to be seen, but Howard said his All-Star experience was a positive.

“I enjoyed the whole weekend. I got an opportunity to get a little rest in,” he said. “Being around the fans and having a good time, I got a lot of that this weekend.

Howard said he’s looking forward to the summer so he can get healthy and return to play a bigger role in the All-Star Game.

Heading into free agency this summer, Howard said he didn’t get too stressed dealing with questions about his future in Los Angeles.

“I really didn’t get that much this weekend,” he said. “I just stayed away from it, focused on having fun and just enjoying All-Star Weekend.”